Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical outlets in Burkina Faso usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard.

Language

About 69 languages are spoken in Burkina Faso, but the official language is French.

Travel Health

Malaria is a problem in Burkina Faso and some form of
prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers in all areas of the
country. A yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers
to Burkina Faso over one year of age. Vaccinations for hepatitis A,
hepatitis B, typhoid and meningococcus are recommended. Those who
will be spending a lot of time outdoors and are at risk of animal
bites should consider a rabies vaccination. Visitors should also be
up to date on vaccinations for polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
and tetanus-diphtheria. Travellers should drink only bottled or
filtered water and avoid ice in drinks; all meals should be eaten
while hot and uncooked fruit and vegetables avoided.

Medical facilities are very limited and of poor quality,
particularly outside of the capital city. Comprehensive travel
insurance is required. In many areas of the country emergency
medical services are nonexistent, and the supply of medication is
often very limited. Travellers who require specific medications
should bring along sufficient supplies, accompanied by a signed and
dated note from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why
it is needed.

Tipping

A 10 to 15 percent service fee is usually included in restaurant
bills, but it is customary to tip taxi drivers, porters and hotel
staff.

Safety Information

Burkina Faso is one of the safest countries in West Africa and
most visits are trouble-free, but tourists are advised to exercise
caution and maintain a high level of security as theft and banditry
can be a problem in certain parts of the country. The northern
Sahel region is considered dangerous, especially near the borders
with Mali and Niger. The Sahel is too remote for the local
government or foreign embassies to provide much assistance in the
event of an emergency. There have been no documented terrorist
attacks directed against foreigners in Burkina Faso, but there is
often concern that conflict in neighbouring countries may spill
over, and some governments, including the British Foreign Office,
advise against all but essential travel to the Sahel region.

Crime is a problem in Burkina Faso and incidents of robbery,
sexual assault and rape against foreigners have been reported. Most
crime, however, is petty, and visitors in cities should beware of
bag-snatchers, pickpockets and scam artists.

Local Customs

There are several customs in Burkina Faso that visitors need to
be aware of: photography is strictly controlled, and tourists
should always ask permission before photographing local people, and
never attempt to take a picture of a military or government
building. Women should dress modestly and keep shoulders and legs
fully covered to avoid unwanted attention. They should also refrain
from smoking in public. Shaking hands is an appropriate way to
greet a person regardless of sex, and one should always return a
greeting. Homosexuality is not generally accepted in Burkina Faso.
Eating, touching another person, and giving someone money with the
left hand is considered offensive.

Business

Burkina Faso is a poor country, which doesn't rank highly for
ease of doing business according to the World Bank. Business
etiquette is fairly standard, with lightweight suits or traditional
African dress the norm for meetings, and handshakes and business
cards exchanged upon greeting. Business hours vary, but most
offices are open from 7.30am to noon, and from 3pm to 5.30pm Monday
to Friday. Some shops and businesses are also open on Saturdays
from 9am to 1pm.

Communications

Communications in Burkina Faso are limited, even in major
cities, due to the low penetration of electricity. Landline use is
extremely low, but mobile phones are widely used. The international
access code for Burkina Faso is +226. Internet use is also low but
on the rise, with internet cafes popping up in major cities.

Duty Free

Visitors to Burkina Faso may import up to 200 cigarettes, or up
to 50 cigars; or 250g of tobacco. One litre of spirit and one litre
of wine is permitted and 500ml each of eau de toilette and perfume.
Sporting guns may be brought in by license only. Prohibited imports
include narcotics and counterfeit goods.

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